Find it on the Quieter Side.

Stay and Play in the Smokies is a vacation trip planner for relaxing, rejuvenating escapes to the quieter side of the Great Smoky Mountains, in and around the mountains of western North Carolina. Whether it's Franklin, Highlands, Bryson City, Sylva, Dillsboro, Cherokee or Cashiers, NC that you wish to visit, we have you covered.

Spring is on it's way! This site was built to make it easier on YOU to plan a trip to our beautiful area of western North Carolina. Check out our places to Stay. We know where to Play. You gotta Eat. And you must Explore! We recommend these busineses and places for good reason.Be on the lookout for new weekly content, as we keep you up-to-date on the latest happenings throughout the western North Carolina Smoky Mountains. A few of our favorite places can be found via our hiking trails, scenic drives , and waterfalls . Have questions about your next trip? Ask us!

Meet Your Guides

Local explorers Matt and Melinda have lived on the Quieter Side of the Smokies, in and around the mountains of Western North Carolina, for decades, and are uniquely qualified to give expert advice and insights to make your trip planning a breeze.